The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has congratulated Olatunji Disu on his appointment as the 23rd Inspector-General of the Nigeria Police Force, describing the moment as critical for strengthening security and restoring public confidence in policing across the country.
In a statement signed by its National President, Kehinde Prince Taiga, the human rights organization noted that the new police chief assumes office at a time when Nigeria faces numerous security challenges, including kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, cultism, cybercrime, terrorism and other forms of criminality.
The group emphasized that the situation requires courageous leadership, strategic reforms and people-centered policing to rebuild trust between citizens and the police.
According to the organization, the new Inspector-General must prioritize intelligence-driven policing by strengthening intelligence gathering, surveillance and data analysis to prevent crimes before they occur.
The CDHR also called for the strengthening of community policing through closer collaboration with community leaders, civil society groups and other local stakeholders in order to enhance crime prevention and improve public cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
The group further stressed the need for professionalism, discipline and ethical conduct within the police force, urging the IGP to enforce strict compliance with professional standards among officers.
Addressing the issue of police misconduct, the organization urged the new police chief to take firm action against brutality, unlawful detention, harassment and extortion, which it said have significantly damaged public trust in the police over the years.
In addition, the CDHR called for improved welfare for police personnel, including better salaries, housing, insurance and working conditions, noting that adequate welfare would boost morale and enhance operational effectiveness.
The statement also highlighted the importance of continuous training and modern capacity building for officers in areas such as criminal investigation, cybercrime detection, forensic analysis, intelligence gathering and conflict management.
The organization recommended the deployment of modern technology in policing, including the use of CCTV surveillance systems, forensic laboratories, digital crime databases and modern communication tools.
Furthermore, the CDHR urged the police leadership to strengthen investigative processes to ensure that criminals are properly investigated and successfully prosecuted in courts.
It also advised the Inspector-General to enhance collaboration with other security agencies in order to effectively address terrorism, organized crime and cross-border criminal activities.
The group emphasized the importance of youth engagement and crime prevention initiatives aimed at addressing social factors that contribute to criminal behavior among young people.
It also advocated internal reforms within the police force, including transparent recruitment processes and merit-based postings and promotions to strengthen professionalism.
On human rights, the organization urged the police to ensure that all operations strictly comply with constitutional provisions and international human rights standards.
The CDHR also advised the police to avoid involvement in purely civil land disputes, warning that police intervention in such matters often leads to abuse of power, intimidation and wrongful arrests.
According to the group, land disputes are civil matters that should be resolved by competent courts unless there is a clear criminal element such as violence, trespass or threats to life.
The organization expressed confidence that with effective leadership and reforms, the Nigeria Police Force could usher in a new era of improved security, accountability and restored public confidence.
The CDHR wished the new Inspector-General success in what it described as an important national assignment.
